Surprise Guest: Patriots Host Potential Top-10 QB; Trading Up?
FOXBORO — It appears that the New England Patriots have one last audible to add to their playbook of Top-30 prospect visits prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Per a Thursday report from NFL Network, Kentucky quarterback Will Levis was in Foxboro on Wednesday for a pre-draft workout. The Pats and new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien maybe ready for a "clean slate," but are they ready to muddy the draft waters and trade up from No. 14 to draft a quarterback?
Levis is among the most-highly touted players at his position in this year’s class. At 6-4, 229, he clearly possesses the size to be effective at the pro level. The 23-year-old is known for his powerful arm, quick release and fast release and strong pocket presence. However, he can also be effective when playing out of structure. During his two seasons with the Wildcats, he completed 418 passes (65.7 percent) for a combined 5,233 yards, 43 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He also was named a team captain each of those seasons.
Despite being a near-consensus Day 1 selection, lingering concerns regarding his accuracy and decision-making have caused Levis to slip in some high-profile draft selections. As such, his visit with the Patriots may gain some additional significance.
New England is just two years removed from investing a first-round draft pick (15th overall) in quarterback Mac Jones. While the Alabama product struggled during his second season in New England, his stellar rookie campaign — which included a selection to the AFC Pro Bowl roster — provides evidence that he is capable of being the team’s top option for the foreseeable future. In turn, the Patriots have shown a willingness to provide Jones with the proper support to improve upon his performance in 2022. Not only have they added wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki as pass-catching options, they also secured the services of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, with whom he built a pseudo-working relationship at Alabama in 2021.
If Jones should falter, it is widely-expected that reserve Bailey Zappe may be ready to take on the starting duties — as evidenced by his 2-0 record as a starter in his rookie campaign. The team also recently added former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Trace McSorley as added depth to their positional grouping.
Investing in Levis would be surprising, to say the least. After all, choosing a first-round talent at quarterback would be a clear signal of the team’s loss of faith in their current options. Still, it should be noted that Top 30 visits are often scheduled as much for reconnaissance as genuine interest in the player. As previously noted, New England’s offseason moves to date have indicated a desire to move forward with the triumvirate of Jones, Zappe and McSorely — while potentially adding another depth arm prior to the start of OTAs in May.
It is also important to note that anything is possible when it comes to New England Patriots business.
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